Beauty ideals or standards indicate what is considered attractive in society. We get a sense of these standards through the media, our peers, family, co-workers, school, and so on. Why do these ideals exist? We live in an appearance-oriented society. Unfortunately, these ideals often make us feel inadequate. 

By Elizabeth Low 

Companies that reinforce these societal beauty standards want us to buy products and services to make us look different. However, we do not have to accept what society tells us about how we should look. Here are some ways we can challenge society’s beauty ideals. 

 

1. Realize that What Society Views As Beautiful Changes And Depends on Where You Live

At its core, beauty is a social construct. The ideal body type was different in 2000, 2010, 2015, and is different today in 2021. What is beautiful in the United States is not considered beautiful in every other country. Beauty standards differ from place to place, reminding us that they are subjective and made up. 

 

2. Use Social Media Mindfully

We should be mindful of how much we use social media and who we follow. Generally, the more we use social media, the worse we feel about ourselves. Also, if you are constantly comparing yourself to others, this can put you into a very negative headspace. Instead, focus on following people who genuinely interest you, who you find entertaining, and people who do not make you feel bad about yourself. This goes for your social circle, too; you should surround yourself with people who help you accept yourself. 

 

3. Don’t Place Overly High Expectations On Yourself

You should stop placing unreasonable expectations on yourself. You do not need to do a crash diet, lose x amount of weight in time for an event, or have the same body type as a celebrity. A good rule is, would you expect this of someone else? If not, be just as compassionate with yourself as you would them.

 

4. Notice The Beauty In Diversity

Can you imagine if everyone looked the same? What would the joy in that be? Beauty presents itself in so many different ways. Body diversity is normal, natural, and beautiful.  Like nature, no two flowers look exactly the same, but that doesn’t make one any less spectacular. Also, know that you do not exist to look attractive to other people. 

Accepting ourselves is one of the bravest things we can do. We can start our road to self-acceptance by incorporating some of the points above. Accepting ourselves is a lifelong journey, and we might have good and bad days. However, our lives will become more prosperous and fulfilling as we try to accept ourselves. 

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